Summary
On October 15, 2020, the City of Chester Fire Department was dispatched a house fire at approximately 7:30pm in the 500 block of West Sixth Street in Chester, Pennsylvania. Upon arrival, firefighters found an abandoned home engulfed in flames. After extinguishing the fire, the remains of a man were found lying on a mattress in a structure adjoining the burned home. Investigators responded and the man's cause and manner of death were listed as "undetermined."
The man could not be identified and details of the case were into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP92561.
In December 2025, the Delaware County Office of the Medical Examiner submitted evidence to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas where scientists worked to develop a DNA extract from the provided remains. Othram scientists then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the man.
During the course of their investigation, a potential relative of the man was located. The relative provided a DNA sample which was compared to the unidentified man's DNA profile using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This DNA comparison enabled investigators to positively identify the man as Matthew Kwiatkoski.
This is the 16th publicly announced case in the State of Pennsylvania where investigators have used Othram's technology to identify an individual. Learn about other cases by visiting Othram's website.
Dan Miller
Director of Customer Service
Dan guides law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally through every step of the forensic process—from crime scene to courtroom. He ensures investigators have the support and resources they need to navigate advanced DNA testing and maximize the impact of forensic evidence in their cases.